RDT adds a fun new twist

Four years ago, Repertory Dance Theatre melded the concept of the "Iron Chef" reality show with dance. The goal was to name an "Iron Choreographer."

The concept was easy: Take five choreographers, five dancers or five teams of dancers and give them a little "secret ingredient" (usually a move, concept or costume) and provide them with a few minutes in the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center studios.

While the choreographers and dancers hastily create a new dance work, audience members can have a snack, a drink and mingle.

After a few minutes, the dancers and choreographers return to the Rose's Black Box Theatre and, with the audience in their seats, present the new works.

A panel of five Utah celebrity judges then give their critiques and hand out prizes.

Then the audience gets to name the Iron Choreographer.

Thus "Charette" was born.

This year the participating choreographers for "Charette" are Raw Move's co-director Natosha Washington; choreographer Cynthia Fleming; Virginia Tanner Creative Dance faculty member Jacque Lynn Bell; Brigham Young University's Marilyn Berrett; and a duo featuring RDT's Aaron Wood and Sarah Donohue, who both direct the My Turkey Sandwich dance company.

Judges will be X-96 radio's Bill Allred, Ballet West's Peter Christie, Janet Gray Dance Studio owner Janet Gray, performance artist/producer Gary Vlasic and Squatter's owners Jeff and Susie Polychronis, who have supported the arts and RDT over the years.

"In years past, we've always named the Iron Choreographer by how loud the applause has been," Linda C. Smith, RDT artistic director, said during an interview.

"But it sometimes got a little difficult to judge how loud the applause was when there are a lot of cheering. So we're changing the process a bit.

"Last year, one of our judges told us that someone, with their tongue in their cheek, tried to bribe him with a dollar," said Smith.

"When we found out, we thought having the audience bribe us for votes was a great idea."

So, this year, the audience will be able to buy RDT funny money and use it to cast votes on who they would like to be named Iron Choreographer.

"When they get here, they can go to the RDT Bank and buy the money," said Smith.

"The exchange rate is $1 for $1 of funny money. And there is no limit on how much they can buy."

All the real money will be used for scholarships to RDT's summer student workshops, said Smith. Note, the funny money cost is in addition to the "Charette" ticket prices.

"This is a way for us to have fun," said Smith. "It is also a way for us to educate and inform new audience members.

"I think there are still people who are afraid of the term 'modern dance.' This is a way for us to break down those barriers and involve the audience in the modern dance creative process."

If you go...

What: "Charette," Repertory Dance Theatre

Where: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South

When: March 7, 7 p.m.

How much: $50

Phone: 801-355-2787, 888-451-2787

Web: www.arttix.org

E-mail: scott@desnews.com